To:
All united in a shared hope for peace

Statement of Unity

In light of recent hate crimes targeting Muslims, especially Muslim women, and threatening to create a rift in our communities, we stand united.

No one should be made to feel afraid because of who they are and what they believe. No one should be afraid to practice their faith, commute home, or pick up their children from school. People should never be persecuted. Islamophobic, xenophobic, and racist actions are unacceptable and we must name them as hate crimes in order to stop them and prevent them from spreading and taking hold. We must stand up and speak out against hate in our homes, our work places, our communities and amongst our friends.

Some in the world would like us to be afraid. They want to divide us. Make us fear each other. We will not let this happen. We will remain strong through unity and a shared hope for peace. We commit to love in the face of hate and hope in the face of fear. We stand together, united across our differences so that we remain strong and hold on to the fundamental rights and values that make our freedom possible.

Why is this important?

All members of Toronto City Council, Toronto District School Board Trustees, and Toronto Catholic District School Board Trustees have signed onto this statement and we are asking other politicians and residents to join in adding their name.